As we enter into December you can already see the transition happening. Busy malls, excessive traffic, queues in store and endless deals luring you to buy the things you don’t need!
Christmas is a magical time of the year. But, it has also shifted to being a very consumer driven, stressful and above all, a wasteful festivity in many ways! From Black Friday to Boxing Day there’s an endless frenzy of shopping for presents, that may or may not be wanted and in most cases get handed down to the next person or land up in a garage sale.
It doesn’t have to be like this and if thought through with your peers and your family you can help make this Christmas more Green, more sustainable and a lot less stressful. Christmas is NOT about presents and purchases.. It’s a feeling, a state of mind and a memory! So let’s make just that!
Lets look at how we can make Christmas Green:
GREEN GIFTING:
Gifting is probably the most impactful aspect of Christmas when it comes to producing waste. Boxes from the gift sets, excessive packaging with wrappings, bows and ribbons, Gift bags and tags all add up to the damage we cause to the environment each year. All of these can be avoided and simplified whilst still enjoying the festivities:
- Try to make things you are good at and gift those instead of buying from shops. It’s a lot more cost effective, more thoughtful, creates a lot less waste and you will enjoy making them too.
- While you’re at it – make your own cards instead of buying them. If you can avoid them altogether and send e-greetings, that’s even better.
- Use fabric wrapping or totes instead of paper packaging. It’s a lot more sustainable.
- Avoid the bows and ribbons – they land up in the bin anyway.
- Think your gifting through. Make a list and shop only what you need!
- Don’t overdo it. One meaningful present is better than multiple useless ones.
- Recycle responsibly.
GREEN DECORATING:
One of the best things about the festive season is the lights and the decor both inside and outside which brings that warm fuzzy feeling. And believe it or not this can be done with the same effect without effecting the environment.
- Avoid having a real Christmas tree. There’s way too many of us and every year there’s way too many trees being cut. Even though the artificial trees are not the most sustainable option – but because they can be used year after year, it’s a lot better than cutting down thousands of trees each year!
- If you must have a real tree then choose a live – potted one that you can use year after year.
- Instead of buying plastic decorations, try decorating your home with natural / seasonal items. Maybe sew some of your own ornaments, carve a wooden reindeer or use spices and fruits to add the festive touch and seasonal aromas to your homes.
- Instead of ribbons add natural fabrics such as burlap, hemp or cotton.
- Don’t over do the lights. Look for LEDs which are more energy efficient and last you many more years as well.
- Instead of having all the lights on all through the night for a whole month (in many cases). Try putting them on an auto timer so they turn off at midnight.
DINNERS
Christmas revolves around food and gatherings and a lot of time we don’t realise the amount of wastage that comes from it. Being aware and mindful of our choices can quite drastically improve the footprint we make.
- Buy food from local markets as opposed to super markets. These are not only fresh and seasonal but have no additional plastic packaging.
- Avoid using disposables. As convenient as it is – it’s also very damaging to our environment.
- Limit the number of dishes and drinks. It’s easier to host and less food ends up in the bins later.
- Speaking of binning, try to be mindful of your disposal eg. food waste for compost and leftover veggies for broth.
GIVE THIS CHRISTMAS
At the end of the day Christmas is all about giving. But we often forget to give to the ones who need it the most. Those who will be happy with just a scarf, a hot cocoa and a warm meal.
- Give someone the gift of charity. Make a donation in someones name.
- Host an event in your office or local community to raise funds for your chosen charity.
- Donate unwanted gifts or clothing to charities
- We end up with so much food post parties and it mostly goes in the bin. Share your leftover party food with local shelters – they will appreciate it.
Above everything don’t forget to have a fabulous time with your loved ones. Remember Each Person can make a difference! Do you part and we’ll do ours! Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and we’ll see you in the NEW YEAR!
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